Follow us today...
Did you know that Toyota RAV4 is America’s best-selling SUV for the past three years? Did you also know it is the country’s top hybrid vehicle? One more for you here.
Did you know Toyota RAV4 just broke the record for best-selling SUV in a single year – of all time?
Pretty remarkable stuff here.
Yes, RAV4 is incredibly popular. And why wouldn’t it be? It is smooth and comfortable and loaded with safety and technology. Plus, there is RAV4 Hybrid that offers 40 mpg and 219 horsepower. Yes, extremely popular indeed.
However, with every bit of good there is also some news on the other end of the spectrum. Just like every other auto manufacturer, Toyota does have issues that need to be addressed.
This time, a situation involving Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and its fuel capacity.
Tell us about this RAV4 Hybrid problem
We are discussing certain 2019 and 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid models.
This reported issue is not one that involves safety or that should cause a panic by any means. But it is something that is annoying and takes a little bit away from the reason people choose to buy a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Several owners are not able to completely fill their gasoline tanks to full capacity. Often, people can only get between 10 and 12 gallons of gasoline whenever they try to fill up.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: RAV4 Prime Specs vs RAV4 Hybrid
Remember, a 2020 RAV4 Hybrid is rated for a driving range of around 580 miles. Most people can drive between 551 and 594 highway miles on one tank of gasoline, depending on driving style along with road and weather conditions. This can take a family quite a long distance on a road trip before needing to look for a gas station along the way.
However, if the RAV4 Hybrid gas tank issue only allows 10- or 12-gallons capacity, this lessens the distance traveled until next fill time.
I can see why vehicle owners would be displeased.
Toyota’s response to RAV4 Hybrid issue
Toyota is very aware of complaints their customers are bringing forward. This is their official statement on 2019 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid.
“Toyota takes customer concerns seriously. Toyota has received customer reports of certain 2019 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicle fuel gauges displaying less than full and/or total fuel dispensed is less than expected, when the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off. Some customer reports have also noted the "Distance to Empty" shown on the multi-information display is less than expected.
Based on our ongoing investigation, Toyota believes these conditions to be primarily related to a variation in the fuel tank shape. As indicated in the owner's manual, customers should still refuel when the low fuel light illuminates, and when refueling, customers should not "top off" the fuel tank.
While we investigate this issue, Toyota has an interim option available until a final remedy is identified. We recommend customers who have a concern visit a Toyota dealer. Toyota’s Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 is also available to answer questions.”
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Specs and notes
This is interesting. The water cooler rumor for months was this issue was related to the actual shape itself of RAV4 Hybrid fuel tank. Toyota’s statement seems to support this theory.
Other news and notes of interest. When the “low fuel” light comes on, the RAV4 owner’s manual states there are still 2.2 gallons or less of fuel remaining in the tank. A small sigh of relief for all of us who have driven a little too far “left of low” from time to time.
VIDEO: Learn more about RAV4 Hybrid gas tank fix and issues in my video review.
Toyota does recommend drivers get gasoline immediately when this warning light comes on. Better safe than sorry.
They also say to not try and “top off your tank” after the nozzle initially clicks and stops.
There is an interim fix, and this more than likely involves replacing the fuel tank itself. This is not the permanent fix, though.
I suspect there will be an official solution announced sometime by the end of the year.
Time for your thoughts on RAV4 Hybrid fuel tank
I will keep you updated as this story progresses. Please bookmark Torque News / Toyota News page for the latest Toyota news, reviews and how-to’s.
Do you own a popular Toyota RAV4 or RAV4 Hybrid? How do you like it so far and how many miles do you have so far?
Have you seen this problem with your vehicle and what is your personal experience?
Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I talk about 2021 RAV4 Prime color choices.
Follow Jeff Teague on social media:
- Torque News Toyota - my regular column
- YouTube channel - My "Toyotajeff" Toyota reviews
- Facebook page "Toyotajeff"
- Instagram page @toyotajeff1
- Twitter @toyotajeff1
Thank you everyone for following me.
Follow us today...
Comments
Just piling on. I bought a
Permalink
Just piling on. I bought a 2020 Hybrid in early September, and it takes 10 gallons on the fillup and then show full. Of course, neither Toyota or the dealer advised me that there was a potential issue when I was buying the car. I have less than 2k miles on the car, and I'm not sure what I'll ask for once the Toyota case manager calls me back. But Toyota making their problems their customers' problems is a really bad move. My kids just got a Honda in August, and now Honda is releasing a CRV hybrid...
Update: So, Toyota wants to
Permalink
In reply to Just piling on. I bought a by jay wesley (not verified)
Update: So, Toyota wants to have a dealer verify my concern before they will indicate my VIN is affected. let's break that down - Toyota thinks there is a remote possibility that my car not taking more than 10 gallons is possibly some other issue, so I need to drive the tank down, then spend a couple of hours having the dealer go fill it up to verify that it stops at 10 gallons. Because that makes much more sense than entering my VIN as affected by their known, documented (by Toyota) issue. So, they didn't disclose that their cars had an issue, and expect their new (first-time Toyota buyer) customers to spend more time and money proving that their cars have the issue that Toyota is trying not to fix. I really feel bad for the car - it has been very good to me and now it's going to go to buyback heaven without ever getting a proper road trip.